New Heights @ Temptation
Summer’s here, it is time for some summer lovin’ and where can love be portrayed best, nowhere better than dining at Temptation.
We had heard about a new summer menu at Temptation, and were very keen to try it out – all right, let’s be honest here; I had heard about the new summer menu, and therefore put it to my nearest and dearest that we should possibly try it out. The proposal was accepted with alacrity; not surprising as it is one of our most favourite classy places to dine at.
The dining area has been increased, the entrance door has been moved back and a wall opened up, so what was the outdoor seating area is now part of the dining room. The piano is situated between the two dining areas and beautiful piano music is played during the meal. Talk about this being a romantic spot!
The entire dining room is classically done out in mute tones of whites and beiges; there are pops of colour on the walls now from gorgeous pictures painted by Roland Richardson, one of the island’s most well-known painters, and of course, the waterfall windows still capture the essence of peacefulness, a wee oasis in a busy world.
Seated in a cosy nook at a beautifully laid table, and served by one of the fabulous wait staff, we made our dinner choices. This was actually quite hard to do, as everything on the menu is good. Should we order some old friends, or go for something new? Should we each order the same course, because we don’t want to share our plates this time or should we get something different – well, the later choice won, we each got different plates throughout the meal.
I love the understated napkin decoration at each place setting; real linen napkins tied with a little raffia and a small sprig of parsley tucked in, sets the tone for the evening. A basket of house-made bread with a basil oil dip arrived in double quick time along with our aperitif
Our first course arrived and we were sent straight to that immortal place of taste heaven. The cold and hot soup was so delightful. The soup was half and half with cold gazpacho and warm black bean adjacent in the bowl, the crab cake and crisp corn kernels brought the two flavours meltingly together. The other starter came served in a half coconut shell; this is a truly divine take on sashimi with tuna and shrimp and a crisp Indian papadum adorning the dish. Chef Dino is a master at combining flavours from different cuisines.
Our mains were as sublime; I am not generally a fan of ordering entrées, preferring to have my own little tasting menu by ordering two or three starters, but at Temptation I am never disappointed with the entrée. On this occasion we both enjoyed a fish dish. I had Roasted Branzino with Caribbean spices, this Mediterranean Sea bass that came straddling a Paella-style risotto. This was a divine dish, slightly salted (which I love) and cooked perfectly, I would order this time and again. The other fish dish was Bay of Fundy Salmon fillet, a Northern Atlantic cold-water fish. Cooked to absolute perfection, sharing a taste was almost forbidden. The fish was accompanied by a pesto broth, eggplant caponata and mushroom risotto. We also indulged in Eggplant Parmigiana, a vegetarian dish heard was sooooo good, yup it was, without doubt, rather excellent.
We both demolished our own desserts too. I’ll tell you why in a few – one white chocolate panna cotta, and one apple fritters with ice cream - fitting end to a kingly meal.
Now the reason we both had desserts was that this entire, excellent repast came at a very good price. Temptation has a great summer special on at the moment – it would be remiss of me if I did not suggest you reserve a table at this restaurant. The summer special offers 2 courses for $39 and 3 courses for $45.
The wine menu is great; the aperitifs superb; Temptation has an award-winning barman and one of the best chefs creating the menu.
Info:
Temptation
103 Rhine Road, Cupecoy Bay
Telephone: 545-2254
Reservations recommended
Open Tuesday - Sunday 6:30 - 11:00pm
Ratings:
Staff friendliness: *****
Service speed: *****
Restaurant cleanliness: *****
Food quality: *****
Value for money: *****
Ambience: *****
